I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

One of my clients sent me a New Year’s card that read simply, “Happy everything, everything happy.” I died. This phrase has been ringing in my ears ever since. Happy everything, everything happy. Oh yes, and the beautiful thing? Everything already is; you just have to open your eyes.

So thankful for these beautiful visitors from home sweet Hawaii. Love them like family times infinity. Too bad they’re only staying for about 42 seconds. I miss them already. :(

Two weeks ago, I photographed the funeral of a beautiful, strong, sensational 16 year old girl. “Coincidentally,” she died 2 years after my sweet son, to the day. I arrived to the funeral early and had the opportunity to spend some time “with her” in private before the family arrived. I looked into her radiant, peaceful face, and I asked her to find my brother. To please find him and to tell him I love him and that I’m doing my best to really LIVE my life for him. I held her mother in my arms as she cried. I comforted her in a way that only a mother who’s “been there” ever could. It broke my heart wide open. SHE broke my heart wide open. I learned so much from this girl. This beautiful girl I had never met. I left the funeral that day knowing, deep in my heart, that I had been exactly where I was meant to be.

Exactly one week later, I stood helpless and watched a man die after being struck by a truck while riding his motorcycle (without a helmet). I held the man who hit him in my arms while he cried, over and over, “I don’t want to kill anybody; I don’t want to kill anybody.” I prayed with him as they covered the victim with a sheet and loaded him into the ambulance. Then I took his face in both of my hands, looked him squarely in the eyes and told him, with all the energy of my heart, “THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU DID. YOU ARE GOING TO GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE, AND YOU ARE GOING TO REMEMBER, THIS.WAS.NOT.YOUR.FAULT.” We held each other tightly as I offered one last prayer. . . and then I got in my car, and I drove away. Changed. Knowing that for whatever reason, I had been in the right place, at exactly the right time.

A day shy of a week later, I found myself here, watching Chelsea give birth to her first child. A beautiful little girl. She was born 5lbs 6oz, with dark eyes, and a beautiful head full of hair. It was awesome—in the literal sense of the word: as in, I was full of awe at the beautiful miracle God was bringing to the Earth. After Baby J was born, she experienced a bit of distress, and Chelsea wasn’t able to hold her for long before they whisked her away. At that moment, Chelsea and I locked our tear filled eyes and she thanked me, in very few words that were full of every ounce of her heart. Again, I knew, there was nowhere else on Earth for me to be in that moment but there.

I don’t share these things from a base of egotism. Quite the opposite. I am humbled by the gifts God has given me in such quick succession. Gifts that have changed my heart, completely, and reminded me that THESE are the moments that life is all about. Moments of true, significant love and contribution. Moments where we let our guards down and simply love one another as God so freely loves us. Moments where we are able to see into the Heavens and to KNOW that somehow, someway, this is all part of a greater plan.

I hope these images touch you as much as they do me.

Like I said, when Baby J was born, she was quickly taken away from her mom to be checked by the “nursery team.”

She didn’t love them. Obviously. ;)

My favorite image of the day (times a million):

Chelsea simply watched her new daughter from afar, with so much love written all over her face you could smell it in the air.

Her mom showed her cell phone pictures of Baby J, so she could see close ups of her new daughter! I love this image, so much. Look at Chelsea’s face! RIGHT?!

I did a guest post on Kitchen Corners! Candied Pecan Salad. Check it out here.
My Making Things Happen post is up: The ART of Living. Read that here.
Register for Breathe: here.
Email me with questions regarding Breathe using the contact form above.

Tineka:
Natalie you wrote with such beauty. Hugs to you from one mother to another. January 26, 2012 1:22 am

Lauren:
Gosh, Natalie... You have this way of conveying so much more than your intended message to me. You don't know me, but I've been a grateful follower of your radiant, beautiful, spirit-filled self, and I am so thankful for you.
You really were in the right places, however heartbreaking they may have been. You needed to be right where you were.
Thank you. Thank you for allowing yourself to be led to where you are, answering the call you needed to, and for sharing with all of us on the interwebs. January 26, 2012 1:26 am

Jaquilyn Shumate:
Beautiful. I have no doubt we have trials in our life to help others and have complete understanding. Unfortunately much of the world doesn't see it that way. I am so glad you do. Times a billion. You are an inspiration to all of us. January 26, 2012 1:29 am

Ajja:
Thank you for sharing, really, these three things you got to be involved in...so heart wrenching on so many levels. I love how you feel it all! January 26, 2012 2:08 am

Mandy K:D:
Love you Homegirl. You are powerful beyond all description:D Thanks for reminding me. January 26, 2012 2:10 am

Victoria Derrick:
Your strength as a mother, as a person I will forever admire. You just completely filled me with joy, hope, and a little side of tears! THANK YOU, NATALIE :) xx January 26, 2012 6:29 am

Christa:
So powerful! These pictures convey so much, and the stories convey your heart. It amazes me how much you are around people in deep need. You are a healer of souls. I remember when we were living in your studio, and there was an ancident on Kam Hwy. You were out there holding the man's head up to keep it straight, with no thought of yourself.. You are trully inspiring us to be more....to give more. Thank you for this post., and allowing me and others to see and to feel the true love of Christ. January 26, 2012 8:05 am

stephanie vogel:
Look at your life natalie. You've touched so many that you have met and others that you run into even at the worst circumstances. What you told that man is probably the most powerful thing he will ever hear after accidentally hitting that man. Thank God for you. Thank you for this post. Amazing. January 26, 2012 9:16 am

davina:
You are such a powerful, spirit filled person, Natalie. I'm inspired by the way you live not just from this post but in so many others as well. You are beautiful in ways that I hope to be. Thank you. January 26, 2012 9:49 am

Cyn:
So beautiful. You are such a strong, kind and compassionate person who has an invaluable gift. Thanks for sharing and being you. Hope to meet you one day. January 26, 2012 11:33 am

Emily Ley:
You are remarkable. God is so good. January 26, 2012 12:57 pm

Aileen:
I read your post this morning, and it's come back to me throughout my day. Your life is beautiful Nat, and you bring that beauty to shine wherever you go. xo January 26, 2012 1:55 pm

Emily:
Wow. How huge all of this is, how remarkable that your life leads you where it does.
That man was so lucky to have you at that moment.
You are clearly here for lessons, to help us KNOW, that whatever we believe in really is out there, working in the ways It/He is supposed to.
A wonder. January 26, 2012 2:09 pm

Jamie:
Love...oh how he blesses us with LOVE. You have capture and painted each circumstance with beauty, grace and love. January 26, 2012 2:34 pm

StephanyCJ:
Your posts are always SO uplifting.
Thank you very much for sharing such special moments from your life. January 26, 2012 2:38 pm

Rachel Boatright DeVault:
Your words make me think of a truth that has been more and more apparent to me as the last few months have transpired--that when you are trying to fulfill your INDIVIDUAL purpose, doing what it is only YOU alone can do, amazing things happen. You end up being in the "right place" at the "right time".....the birth photos are absolutely breathtaking and completely transformative. I love them. I love you! I love seeing you pursue your unique purpose. January 26, 2012 2:57 pm

Lara:
Oh Nat I love you. What blessings you've been able to give and receive in the last days! I. Love. Your. Heart!!!! January 26, 2012 7:41 pm

Shelly:
Nat, these are the most beautiful photos of a birth I've ever seen. LOVE the expressions you captured. And the one of her mom! Really, really beautiful. January 26, 2012 9:20 pm

Kristen Tuifua:
So beautiful Nat. And that's a complete understatement. Thank you for sharing. xoxo January 26, 2012 9:47 pm

Damaris:
To me the beauty of it all is not the moments you were in but the life that you live, the choices that you make, that allows for these moments to happen. You could of said "no" a million times, but because you are willing to say "yes" you consequently bless so many. As always thanks for inspiring us. Also, have fun in the D.R a vacation is always nice. January 27, 2012 4:07 am

ashmae:
I keep going over these three events in my head. I'm so glad you were there for all three, for you and for the other people. Thanks for being courageous and finding the good. January 27, 2012 10:48 am

Andrea Harper:
I cannot tell you how much I love your blog. It is always EXACTLY what I need. So thank you :) January 27, 2012 5:34 pm

crystal winger:
You are SUCH an inspiration, you really are changing lives. I am so touched by this post. The song "temporary home" by Martina Mcbride I believe? Comes to my mind. Great post! January 27, 2012 6:56 pm

Liz Shelts:
AMAZING IMAGES !!! love the one of the baby looking wide-eyes @ the world! One of the best photos ive ever seen!!!! LOVE your photos...cant wait to order mine, still deciding because they are all so good :) January 28, 2012 8:24 pm

Such a beautiful little boy! When baby’s momma, Liz, contacted me to see if I was available to shoot her newborn on January 7th, I hesitated. The 7th marked 2 years since we lost Gavin, and I wasn’t sure how I’d manage a shoot of this nature. I’m SO GLAD I talked myself into it. There’s NOTHING in this world like baby therapy! Nothing. And this little guy?! Oh my goodness. Perfection. I hope you enjoy his sweet little self as much as I did.

PS. It’s really amazing how God works. This shoot on this day? Who else could have orchestrated something so perfect? Enjoy!

natalie:
May, Thanks! I processed these black and whites a little bit softer than usual because of the squishy little subject! :) Thanks for the compliment! January 18, 2012 9:16 am

Victoria:
Loved the one with the hat especailly....(: great, like always. <3 January 18, 2012 2:25 pm

Shari Hanson:
exquisite. love the soft b/w images. so lovely!!!! good work my dear! and wow, some serious guts to do it on that day...but yes, He does work in mysterious ways, doesn't He? xoxoxo from HB January 18, 2012 4:59 pm

Sonya:
Gorgeous photos!! Praying for him and his Ohana! January 18, 2012 7:31 pm

Lee Ann:
How lovely. Praying for them - my daughter had RSV (hospitalized both times) at 3.5 and 8.5 months, such a difficult time! Beautiful pics!!!! January 19, 2012 8:03 pm

April:
The images are just stunning, I am sure the family is ecstatic, and extra prayers that the baby gets better quickly. xoxo January 20, 2012 10:26 am

megan:
your newborn photographs speak to my soul. they are breathtaking, just as newborns are...what a gift! i also love the soft b/w. January 21, 2012 5:13 pm

Kristy:
Beautiful pictures. What a sweet boy! Hope he and his mama are doing better! January 22, 2012 10:15 pm

Robin Troxell:
been away from your blog a while and getting caught up, saying a prayer that this little sweetie is all better now! February 17, 2012 11:13 am

I shot Ashley and her wonderful little family in Hawaii last year and loved every second of it. When she contacted me to check availability for an extended family session in Palm Springs, I about jumped out of my skin with excitement. Ash is one of my favorite clients of all time. Happily she loves me too: “I’ve told Matt you’re going to become our first family tradition.” What an honor! I can’t wait!

Let me tell you, extended family shoots are the very hardest shoots of all. They are dripping with complexity. One thing you can always count on? Madness. Complete and total, madness. The Shannon family, however, made it easy, and it shows! I hope you enjoy looking at this beautiful session as much as I enjoyed shooting it! xoxo!

Ali:
Love these Natalie. You are always such an inspiration. January 16, 2012 8:19 am

Shari Hanson:
great job natalie! i hope to make photos with you a tradition as well! :) you can always SHOW the love people have for each other through your photos. I adore that. :) January 16, 2012 9:50 am

natalie:
Shari!
I would love nothing more than to photograph your sweet family every day for the rest of my life. xoxoxox! Nat January 16, 2012 10:32 am

Jenn A:
It's hard to pick a best part of this post, but I think the best part is that you captured how much the (what I'm guessing are) grandparents/patriarchs of the family still love each other, it's obvious they taught their children well. These are great. Of course. You took them. January 16, 2012 8:49 pm

natalie:
Jenn, I think you are so wonderful! Thank you! January 16, 2012 9:39 pm

Laurenbythesea:
What a beautiful family!! You're seriously talented Natalie!! I can only hope to have a family shoot like this under my belt one day! Kudos to you, amazing shots/colours/light <3- Lauren January 19, 2012 10:53 am

The Higgins Family!

You know when you meet someone and you’re pretty sure you’ll be friends forever? Enter Becky. Becky came to The Phoenix Breathe Intensive in May, and look at us now! Practically neighbors. . . well, as far as the Phoenix valley is concerned. Who knew it was THREE HOURS WIDE. She’s bright, compassionate, grounded and a hundred more wonderful things I can’t wait to discover! It was so fun to spend time with her BEAUTIFUL family. Enjoy!